An Introduction To Argot Studio
Founded in 2018 by Irish designer Eimear Ryan, Argot is a creative design studio based in Paris with a focus on the exploration of spaces and the objects that fit within them. Realising these concepts until now via the ‘Phelim series’ of solid wood modular furniture, Eimear principally works with her father who makes the oak pieces by hand in Ireland.
Eimear’s work includes ‘Argot vases’ 3D printed in renewable biomass developed and printed in Paris. Past works include projects in art direction, spacial design & scenography. Future projects include collaborations with designers and artists with complementary outlooks.
- How did your journey as a maker start ?
I guess you could say in a very round about way, I didn't study design outright but after a series of internships and an apprenticeship with an architect I got a job working as an interior designer. I loved it at the start but realised I wanted to create something for myself as opposed to choosing from a catalogue. That's when I made the first oak furniture collection with my dad.
- Was there a turning point which you realised you wanted to make it a career ?
Yes, I didn't always know it but looking back I was obviously striving for that all along, it's amazing how quickly after you've been working for yourself, you feel no longer able to have a 'boss'!
- Where do you find inspiration / are there people you look up to either in or out of your industry ?
All around in Paris/French countryside, the architecture, nature, traditional furniture and objects from different regions. Also through the work of architects furniture designers, Eileen Gray is the person I look up to the most, dying for a better film/documentary to be made on her haha.
- Is there a part of your practice that you enjoy the most ?
probably the initial designing process, the sketching, but also there is nothing more satisfying than seeing it come to life. 3D printing is amazing for this as you can design in the morning and hold in your hand the finished piece in the evening. Furniture design can be complicated, frustrating and crazy costly, but is usually worth the wait.
- How do you fit your work into your daily life / do you have a daily routine ?
I am not naturally an organised person unfortunately, it's something I have to try and work on, one thing that usually keeps me on track is to tackle all 'non-creative' task in the morning, take a long lunch and then focus on being creative in the afternoon. Since we all have a limited social life right now, to say the least, being busy at work has been a welcome distraction and I've really enjoyed setting up my new studio with my brilliant assistant Hortense. I have my little routine these days and appreciate the small things, like my walk/cycle to the studio.
- Do you have any further plans for Argot Studio?
Yes, so many, too many haha. Together with my fiancé we have a dream of a new sustainable way of producing design pieces. Right now it's just that, a dream, but a feasible one, so we'll see! Until then, I have a new collection launching in spring which include a chair, rug and mirror, and of course new printed objects.
SHOP OUR ARGOT STUDIO COLLECTION HERE